Chapter 78

"Took you long enough."

Jon walked into the bedroom of the guest house and almost dropped the bottle and glasses he carried. Whatever he was going to say was forgotten as his blood rapidly headed south and his brain was instantly fogged by lust. "Holy fuck!"

"Does that mean you like it?" Brianna ran her hands down her torso.

He could only nod. The 'it' she was referring to was the piece of clothing she wore. There probably was a name for the garment, but he didn't have a clue what it was. All he could see was bits of black lace barely covering the pertinent parts of her body - more enticing than discreet, thin straps the only break in the smooth skin of her shoulders, the hem barely brushed the tops of her thighs. When she took the wine and glasses from him and rolled over to set them on the bedside table he had to pick his tongue up off the floor. The back was criss-crossed laces and it was very clear she wasn't wearing any panties. "Fuck me."

Brianna grinned at his husky whisper. "That's the plan Blue Eyes." She rolled onto her back and looked him up and down. "But I think you're a little overdressed, don't you?"

He set the baby monitor on the table beside the bottle, stripped off his sweatshirt, and socks, but left his jeans on. Their restriction was the only hope he had to retain control long enough to not embarrass himself - the pain distracted him. Stretching out beside her, he filled the glasses and handed her one.

Brianna sipped and watched him, surprised when he merely reclined next to her and let his eyes roam over her while he kept his hands to himself. She didn't expect that. Normally when they hadn't seen each other for awhile he was impatient and eager. She'd expected him to be all over her, especially considering his reaction to her babydoll and the hard evidence that his body was obviously ready and raring to get busy. She raised a brow. "Change your mind?"

"Mmmm?" It took a moment to drag his mind back from where it had wandered - conjuring up images of what he wanted to do to her body - and focus on her question. He shook his head slowly. "No. I just want to look at you for a few minutes. You're beautiful."

"Thank you." He made her feel beautiful. More so than any other man she'd ever been with. Maybe it was because he'd had beautiful women throwing themselves at him for most of his adult life that made his opinion - and admiration - mean so much. 

As his gaze drifted over her body it was as though he touched her. Her skin heated and became more sensitive, her nipples pebbled and ached, the flesh between her thighs moistened and swelled. Taking a shaky breath, she decided turnabout was fair play, so she did some looking of her own. Over his heavily muscled chest with its thick covering of hair, the broad shoulders and brawny arms, the rock hard abs, the swollen tip of his cock poking out above the waist of his jeans. "Well, he definitely looks ready to play."

She leaned across him to set her glass on the table, dipping her fingers in the golden liquid before easing back. "But he looks so uncomfortable." She rubbed her wet fingers over the smooth head.  Her other hand undid the button of his jeans and carefully tugged down the zipper, releasing his erection. "That's better. Poor fellow."

Jon didn't know whether he agreed or not. His aching cock certainly did. But his self control warned his pride that it wasn't a good idea. The touch of her mouth on his ultra sensitive flesh tipped the scales.

He gripped her shoulders and eased her away, pressing her onto her back. One hand grasped lace and pulled it up out of his way, the other pushed his jeans down over his hips. Pushing her legs apart, he settled in between. When he saw her brows lift at his haste, he grimaced. "Sorry Golden Eyes, but....it's been so long. I can't wait."

As he pressed forward, it suddenly occurred to him that he hadn't checked to see if she was ready, and he might be hurting her. The problem was, he wasn't sure he could stop. It's her own damn fault! Evil temptress!  He sank in another inch and discovered he didn't have to worry. Instead of resistance, he was met with a hot, wet welcome. "Ha! So Miss Calm and Cool is just as hot for it as I am!"

Brianna merely smiled and lifted her hips, taking him deeper. "I never said I wasn't."

 "Fuck, you feel good!" Bracing his weight on his elbows, he rocked against her, enjoying the sensation of lace scraping his chest and her hard nipples poking him.

Brianna agreed, but wasn't in the mood to let him run the show. She had plans. Bracing her foot and knocking his elbow out from under him, she caught him by surprise and rolled them over until she was in the dominant position. She sat up, straddling his hips and gazed down at him in satisfaction. It was her turn to be in charge.

Jon saw the gleam in her eye and relaxed into the bed, curious to see what she would do. "Feeling a little cocky tonight are you?"

She flexed her muscles surrounding his buried erection. "Don't sell yourself so short. Your cock's not that little. It certainly works for me."

He stared at her for a second then burst out laughing. "So glad that you find me acceptable."

"Hold on there Blue Eyes. I said your cock works for me. I haven't decided on the rest of you yet." She set her hands on his stomach and slid them upward. "I need to re-examine a few areas more thoroughly before I can make a final decision."

He spread his arms out to his sides. "Examine away Golden Eyes. Just....be gentle with me. I bruise easily."

With a low chuckle, Brianna bent forward until her mouth could touch his golden skin. While her lips and tongue kissed and tasted, her hands stroked - his chest, his shoulders, his arms.

Jon would have been happy to let her 'examine' him as long as she wanted, but the aching in his groin was rapidly turning to agony. If he didn't find relief soon, it promised to become excruciating.  He cupped his hands around her knees, slid them up her thighs and under the hem of her nightie to caress the firm cheeks of her ass.

He lifted one hand and spanked her.

Brianna sat up with a jerk. "Hey!"

"Move it or I'll bruise it sweetheart. I'm aching here."

One feminine brow rose. "Oh baby, you're just beginning to hurt." She swivelled her hips. Sliding her hands under her hair at her neck, she lifted her mane up and let it fall back down her back in a flaming waterfall. Her gaze locked on his face as she coasted her hands down her torso, cupping and squeezing her breasts before continuing down to her hips, a satisfied smile curving her lips when his eyes darkened and burned with blue fire.

Jon ignored her knowing look, not caring that she knew how much he liked her body. After the hours he'd spent exploring it, his appreciation was hardly a secret. The hard nipples poking through black lace captured his attention and drew his hands. The firm globes filled his hands perfectly, with just a bit of overflow. 

As his fingers stroked, and squeezed, her nails bit into his sides. "Mmmm. That feels good." She rocked her hips.

In full agreement, Jon bucked against her, urging her on, needing more. But she didn't take the hint. Undaunted, he set about ratcheting things up a notch. After all, he knew what she liked and what drove her crazy. Locking his gaze with hers, he watched her closely as he tightened his abs and curled up to take a nipple in his mouth.

Brianna moaned and let her head drop back, savouring the tingly jolts of sensation that shot through her body with every rasp of his tongue and pull of his lips on her lace covered nipple. "Oh!"

Even with her hands holding his head close Jon had to brace one hand on the bed to maintain his position. Back and forth, he shifted between her breasts, doling out his sensual torture evenly, her soft mewling cries music to his ears.

But his throbbing cock reminded him that delaying was not an option for much longer. Releasing her breasts, he eased back onto the bed again. His hands smoothed down over her stomach. One hand rested on her hip, the other went straight for the magic button at the top of the cleft between her spread thighs.

Brianna gasped at his first touch. The abrasion of the lace against her sensitive nub under the pressure of his finger was an exquisite torture. "Oh God! Yes! Right there...mmmm." She bit her lower lip against the swelling tide, wanting the rapture to last as long as possible.

When she started to finally - finally! - ride him in earnest, Jon didn't let up.   His hand on her hip guided her and helped her to balance. His tormenting finger stripped it away. His eyes wanted to close, but he couldn't look away. The sight of her flushed and panting, totally lost in her passion - their passion - was one he could never get enough of.

"Yes! Yes! Mmmm Jon! Yes!" Feeling her orgasm overtaking her, Brianna bent forward, her hands bracing above his shoulders, as she pumped harder, grinding her clit against his pelvis.

The clenching of her sheath around his embedded flesh signaled her release, giving him the green light to let go and find his own. "Fuck!"

Brianna collapsed on top of him, spasms racking her body. "Not right away." She panted. "I need to recover from this time first."

Jon chuckled breathlessly and rubbed his hands up and down her back. While he caught his breath, he debated whether to try for another round or just curl up with the drowsy woman in his arms and sleep. "Stay with me here tonight Golden Eyes. I sleep better when you're beside me."

"Mmmmm." If she was being honest, she slept better with him curled around her as well. But she hated sneaking around. It made her feel that what they were doing was somehow wrong and illicit and.....dirty. Unfortunately, it appeared that covert lovemaking was going to be the theme for her sex life for the foreseeable future - at least when they were at his house.

She sighed. She couldn't complain. She knew what she was getting into when she agreed to try for a relationship with him. Besides, the kids' feelings were more important right now. She had him beside her now, she'd just have to take what she could get.

"BIANNA!"

Jon groaned. "I love my kids, I love my kids." It was a litany he repeated to remind himself that he really didn't want to strangle his son.

Brianna swatted his arm and swallowed her own disappointment.

Chapter 77

When she drove through the gates, Brianna sighed in relief. The snow may have stopped, but the plows hadn't had enough time to do more than take a quick swipe at the roads. The gusting wind did its best to replace the snow as fast as the plows removed it, making for a treacherous journey. Luckily, there wasn't much traffic on the roads. The smart people stayed home.

But they didn't have four motherless children and a gorgeous, lonely, horny rockstar waiting for them.

Still, it was a harrowing drive. She really would have been smarter to wait until at least the afternoon and given the road crews more time to work. It wouldn't have killed anyone if she didn't get there for a few more hours. But her longing overrode her common sense. She told herself it was for the kids, but deep down she knew it was as much for herself as it was for them.

Easing by Jon's Navigator that was parked in front of the door, she pulled into her usual spot and climbed out. She grabbed her suitcase from the back seat and started for the house. 

The front door opened and Jake came running out to hug her. "Bianna!"

"Hi buddy."

He grabbed her suitcase and tried to drag it into the house, but it was too heavy for him. When Jesse stepped out of the house, Jake called out to him. "Jesse hep!"

Jesse sighed, but obliged, turning the luggage around and pulling out the handle. "This way squirt, remember?"

"Oh yeah! Thanks." He continued towards the door, walking backwards so that he could keep an eye on his job.

Stephanie stepped out of the way, but Jon, with Romeo in his arms wasn't so lucky.  "Ow! Jake watch where you're going."

"Sowy, beep beep, coming through." 

Brianna winced as she watched her suitcase bump and bang into the foyer, but figured it had been through worse in the various airports she'd travelled through.

"Bina! Bina!" Romeo saw her and threw himself at her, causing Jon to scramble to hang onto him.

"Romeo! Take it easy before you fall on your head!"

Quick reflexes shot Brianna's arms up to catch the toddler. Taking him from his father, she cuddled him close. His arms slid around her neck and squeezed. "Hi little man. Did you miss me?"

He nodded his head against her shoulder.

Rubbing his back, Brianna looked around at everyone in their winter coats and boots. "Going somewhere?" Did she risk life and limb to get there only for them to leave? Surely Jon would have told her if he had to go somewhere.

"Gocey store." Jake answered as, bellboy service complete, he rejoined them. "Come on. Let's go."

Jon opened the back door and stepped back so that she could put Romeo in his car seat.

"You're going grocery shopping?" Domestic chores were not his forte.

The shock and disbelief in her tone made him scowl. "Don't you think I'm capable?"

"I see you more like one of the kids, throwing whatever catches your eye in the cart, with no plan, while someone else pushes it, grumbling the whole time, impatient to get the job done and get out."   

Stephanie laughed and climbed in to help Jake into his seat. "Bingo!"

Jon turned his scowl at his daughter, but there was too much truth in Brianna's assessment to argue. "That's why we waited until you got here. We need to restock after the storm."

"Did you at least make a list?"

He shrugged. "We'll figure it out."

"I started one." Stephanie pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket and handed it over.

Taking it, Brianna glanced it over as she climbed into the front seat. She pulled a pen out of her purse with a sigh and started throwing out menu ideas for approval.

The drive to the store passed quickly amid much debate. Climbing out of the car, Jon picked up Romeo to carry him.

"No!" Romeo squirmed, pushing against his father's chest. "Want Bina! BINA!"

"Okay, okay. Calm down." Jon handed him over.

Brianna smiled, took Jake's hand with her free one and headed inside.

They got two carts so that both little boys could ride. Brianna and Stephanie pushed while Jon and Jesse filled. About ten minutes in Jon started looking at his watch.

"Uh uh." Brianna wagged her finger at him. "We've barely started."

He groaned and sighed, but dutifully turned his attention to the next aisle.

Half an hour later, they loaded the car and headed for home. Before they were halfway there, it started to snow again. Groans filled the car.

"Bianna you got here just in time." Jake pointed out.

"Looks like you're right Jake. Good thing you called me."

By the time they reached the house, it was really coming down.

"Wooks wike we have to pway inside again." Jake sighed.

"That's okay," Jon murmured in Brianna's ear. "Daddy likes inside sports."

She swatted his arm, grabbed two handfuls of grocery bags and started for the kitchen. Jon and Jesse followed suit while Stephanie helped Jake and Romeo out of their coats and boots.

Brianna was putting the last of the groceries away when she felt two arms slide around her waist. She leaned back against his hard chest and tilted her head when he nuzzled her neck. "Mmmm."

"We're finally alone. I can greet you properly." Turning her in his arms, he bent to capture her lips. "I've missed you."

"Brianna, can we.....oh. Sorry." Stephanie halted in her tracks and glanced around the room, not sure where to look. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

Jon straightened, but didn't let go of Brianna. "It's okay. What did you need?"

"Nothing. It can wait."

"Steph." Brianna watched the young girl closely. "Are you okay with seeing me like this with your dad or do you need us to cool it for awhile until you get used to it?"

Stephanie shrugged. "It's fine........I guess."

"Steph?" Jon frowned. "I thought you wanted us together."

"I did. I do. It's just.......I don't know."

"Actually seeing it is different than the idea of it?" Brianna guessed.

Stephanie shrugged again.

"Okay. I understand." Brianna patted Jon's chest and stepped back. "We'll take it slow and cool it with the PDAs for awhile."

"We will?" Jon wasn't sure he liked the sound of that. He'd thought that once the kids were on board his restrictions would be lifted and he could touch and kiss her whenever he felt the urge.

"Yes we will. The kids need to be comfortable with our relationship or it's never going to work." Brianna reminded him.

"I'm sorry Daddy. I'll try harder." Stephanie's eyes filled.

"It's okay Baby Girl." He stepped up to her and wrapped his arms around her. "I don't mean to pressure you. I know this is hard. There's no time limit. It'll come."

Brianna had to blink away her own tears. When Jon caught her eye and raised a brow, she smiled and nodded, her approval and pride evident in her face. "What did you come to ask me Steph?"

Wiping her eyes, Stephanie leaned her head on her father’s chest and looked at the older woman. "Um...oh! Can we make a cake or something for dessert?"

"Sure. What should we have for the main course tonight?" Brianna started pulling out cookbooks.

Stephanie and Jon looked at each other with raised brows, then answered in unison. "Spaghetti."

"With garlic bread." Jon added.

"And Caesar salad." Stephanie put in.

"And maybe this?" Brianna spun the open cookbook in front of her to show them the recipe and picture of Cannoli Cake.

"Mmmmm,." Father and daughter agreed.

"Okay then. Jon, you're on Daddy duty with the boys and Steph, I'm naming you my sous-chef. We'll get the sauce going first." Brianna directed.

"BINA! I TINK!!!"

"After I change your brother." Brianna amended.

"Have I told you how happy I am that you're here honey?" Jon blew her a kiss.

"Yeah, yeah,"

Watching her leave the room, Stephanie leaned against her father again. "How do we love her without forgetting Mom?"

Jon sighed and rubbed her back. It was a question he'd been asking himself for weeks - not that he was in love with her....yet, but he had a feeling it wouldn't take much. He passed on the answer he'd finally discovered. "Those are two different things, Baby Girl. We'll never forget Mom. And Bri would never want us to. She promised Mom she'd help you to remember. And in all the time I've known her, she's never broken a promise."

When she sighed, he squeezed her and kissed the top of her head. "One day at a time honey. It'll all work out. There's no rush."

She was silent for a moment. "You really like her, don't you."

"Yes, I do." He answered honestly.

"So do I."

After dinner they decided to watch a movie. Once again Jon and Brianna found themselves sharing the loveseat. One of the trailers for upcoming releases twigged her memory.

"Oh! I got a call from Bobby Bandieri yesterday about this year’s Hope Concert, wondering if you're still interested in participating." Her lips twisted. "And Southside called about his gig on New Year's Eve."

Jon snorted. "Was he inviting me or you?"

She grinned. "You to play on stage..."

"And you to play off of it?"

"Something like that."

He turned his head to stare at her. "What did you say?"

"That I'd talk to you and let him know." When his brows rose, she rolled her eyes. "About you playing." She nudged him with her elbow. "He knows my play time is all booked up."

Jon grunted.

"It might do you good to get out and play a little."

He leaned over to murmur in her ear. "I'd rather stay in and play with you." Heat flared through his body to match what, judging by her flushed face, was also shooting through hers. When she elbowed him again, he chuckled. "Might not be a bad idea. I'll call them tomorrow."

When the kids had all gone to bed, the adults sat by the fire with a glass of wine. Snuggled beside him, Brianna leaned her head against his shoulder and sipped while she watched the dancing flames.

This was one of the aspects of her personality that drew Jon to her - her capacity to sit quietly and not feel the need to fill the silence with inane chatter. He kissed the top of her head and sighed. Normally her calm presence beside him was soothing, but they'd been apart so long her scent, combined with the heat of her body reaching out to him was steadily working to destroy his serenity.

He shifted restlessly. "Do we really have to abstain from the PDAs?"

He sounded so much like a kid told he'd have to wait for his dessert that she had to chuckle. "Just in front of the kids and just until they get used to seeing us together as a couple. We'll start slow with touching, holding hands, that kind of thing."

"So I have to suffer until they're comfortable?" He grimaced. "I'm getting blue balls here Golden Eyes."

Those eyes twinkled. "Well, there might be a way to relieve your pain and frustration." And my own!

His face lit up in eager anticipation. "Yeah? How?"

Downing her wine, she handed her glass to him and stood. "Meet me in our pleasure palace in ten minutes. Bring the wine....and the baby monitor."

A frown creased his forehead as he watched her walk towards the door. "Pleasure palace? What are you talking about?"

"If you want me, you'd better figure it out." She paused in the doorway. "By the way, I got some new lingerie."

His frown turned into a scowl at her taunt. "Evil wench."

Chapter 76

Winter came early and hard to the eastern seaboard. Back to back storms dumped several feet of snow which the high winds wouldn't let settle. The result was that any unnecessary travel was dangerously foolish. This meant that Brianna was stuck in New York City while Jon was buried in Red Bank. They hadn't seen each other in over two weeks.

And that didn't make anyone happy.

"We need to do something. Our plan isn't going anywhere." Stephanie sat down beside her oldest brother on the couch. "Brianna hasn't been over in ages and this stupid weather is keeping Dad stuck here."

"And he's grouchy." Jesse acknowledged. "But what can we do?"

"I don't know. Maybe we should just tell him what we think and see what he says."

"Okay, I guess it's worth a shot."

"Daddy, when the snow going to stop?" Jake stood in his father's office, staring forlornly out the window at the swirling snow.

"I don't know, buddy," Not soon enough!

"I want to go out and play!"

"I know buddy, but it's too cold and windy." Jon tried to focus on the book on the desk in front of him.

"When Bianna coming back?"

"I don't know."

"I miss her."

"I know." So do I!

"She hasn't been here in a long time."

"I know." Do five year olds ever shut up? 

"I want her to come visit."

"I know." Jon raked a hand through his hair. Now he understood what Dorothea meant when she complained about the kids' nonstop talking driving her nuts.

"Do you think she might come this weekend?"

"I don't know Jake!" Jon snapped, his patience at an end. "Stop asking me!"

Eyes filling with tears, Jake bowed his head and turned from the window to leave the room.

Jon sighed. "I'm sorry buddy, I didn't mean to snap at you."

Jake just nodded and continued out of the room.

Closing his eyes, Jon leaned his head back on the chair. Great. Now he was making his kids cry. Fucking storm was causing damage everywhere.

The click of the door closing had him opening his eyes to see his oldest two children standing on the other side of the desk, their expressions somber. 

"Dad, we need to talk to you." Stephanie began.

Uh oh. This can't be good. "Sure. What's up?"

"Did you break up with your girlfriend?" Jesse blurted.

Jon's brows rose as his mind scrambled for a response. "What makes you think I have a girlfriend?"

"I heard Uncle Matt say something about it when you came home early one night a few months ago." Stephanie admitted.

"And you've been so grouchy lately, we wondered if you'd had a fight with her or broken up with her." Jesse added.

"I see." Jon stroked his jaw to hide his smile.

"And if you have broken up with her, then you need to find someone new." Stephanie continued.

Jon sat up straighter. "Really? You think I need a girlfriend?"

"Yes!" They said in unison.

Stephanie reached out to touch his hand. "Dad.....you're not happy." 

"And you think a girlfriend will make me happy?"

Jesse shrugged. "Can't hurt."

"And you're really okay with me dating again?" He wanted to be clear on that point.

"Yes." The siblings exchanged a look. 

"But we want to have a say in who it is." Stephanie qualified.

"Mmhmmm. And do you have someone in mind?"

The kids exchanged another look. "Brianna."

Jon sat back in his chair, stunned, praying he wasn't imagining this conversation. "You think I should date Bri?"

They nodded.

"She's smart and kind and caring. She gets you and your job and isn't after your fame or money." Stephanie explained.

"And she's hot!" Jesse added.

Stephanie rolled her eyes, but Jon smiled his agreement.

"Interesting. Well, let's see what she thinks of the idea." He picked up the phone.

"Hey handsome, I was just about to call you." Brianna answered. "Everything okay out there?"

"I think so. I just got a sign that even I can't miss. If you catch my drift."

Brianna sat up straighter in her chair and tightened her grip on her phone. "From the kids?"

"Mmmhmm. Steph and Jesse are here in my office. They say I've been grouchy and miserable lately, and they have a solution. Wait, I'll put you on speaker."

"So there's a way to make you less grumpy? I'd be interested in that! If it works."

"I'm glad you feel that way since it involves you." Jon grinned at his children.

"Me? How?"

"Well, they think I need a girlfriend.....and that it should be you."

It was more than she had ever hoped for, but she was surprised that kids had come up with this on their own. "Steph, Jesse, are you sure about this?"

"Yes." Jesse answered.

"You two are a perfect match." Stephanie explained their reasoning. "You get along and like each other. You already understand all about Dad's job. You're not some shallow bimbo interested only in his looks or his money or his fame."

"And you don't treat us as nuisances that take up Dad's time or tools to get to him." Jesse added.

"Do people do that?" Jon frowned.

"Sometimes."

"And you're sure you're okay with your Dad dating again?" Brianna pressed.

"It might be a little hard at first," Stephanie admitted. "But we want him to be happy. And we know you and like you. It wouldn't be like some stranger coming into our lives. And we know you like us. We wouldn't have to try and figure out if you truly cared or if it was a show for Dad."

All of that made sense, but it also made Brianna wonder if they really thought they'd be good together or whether they simply picked her because she was familiar to them. She also wasn't sure that it even mattered at this point.

"So what do you think Bri? Do you want to go steady?" Jon asked,

"Dad! That's so lame!" Stephanie groaned.

"That's okay Steph, I'm well aware of your father's tendency to be cheesy." Brianna assured her.

"Hey! I'm not that bad." Jon argued.

"Uh huh." Brianna and Steph replied in unison.

"Hmpf!" Jon grumbled.

"Cheesy isn't a reason not to be his girlfriend is it?" Jesse frowned, concerned that his dad had blown it already.

"Not for me." Brianna reassured him.

"So that means you will then?"

Jon knew he should probably be annoyed at his kids' interference, but he was too amused watching his son pimp for him...and he seemed to be doing pretty well.

"Well, I think maybe we should go on a few dates to start with and see how it goes." Brianna didn't think anything of discussing a possible relationship with the kids. If she was going to date Jon it meant dating the kids too. They were a package deal.

"That would probably be a good way to start." Jesse agreed.

"We'll work on that." Jon promised. "As soon as this crappy weather lets up."

"So how is everyone coping with being cooped up inside?" Brianna could only imagine being locked up with four restless kids.

"Dad made Jake cry today." Stephanie informed her.

"Jon!"

"I know, I know. I already apologized. He just kept asking me nonstop questions that I didn't have the answers for." Jon made the shape of a gun with his hand and shot his daughter. "Besides, the only thing that's going to make him happy is to see you."

Knowing that these kids - this family- cared so much about her sent a wave of warmth through her chest.  "Tell him I'll be out as soon as the weather clears enough to make it safe for me to drive."

He couldn't wait.

"Are you coming home for Thanksgiving?"

Brianna curled up on her couch and waited for her mother to get to the real reason she was calling. "I don't know yet Mom. It depends on the weather and what Jon needs from me."

"Lisa told me she and Michael met him."

"Yes. We were all at the same benefit."

"She also told me she got the feeling that there was more to your relationship than just work. Is she right?"

And there it was. "Yes."

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"Because we were waiting for his kids' blessing."

"And you've got that now?"

"Yes. Turns out they think he's unhappy and needs a girlfriend and they want that girlfriend to be me."

"Well, that's in your favour." Sarah noted. "Bri......are you sure this is what you want?"

"I really like him Mom. I want to give it a try. See where it can go."

"Okay. When are we going to get to meet him?"

"I don't know. Maybe we can arrange something during the holidays."

"If you can talk him into it."

Bianna grinned. "Actually Mom, he's been bugging me to meet you."

Sarah was surprised. "And you've been putting him off? Why?"

"Because I want to make sure that this relationship is going somewhere first. Before...." She stopped.

Sara understood what she didn't say. "Before letting your father know and then having to deal with his reaction. Not to mention exposing Jon to his....beliefs."

"Something like that."

"Well, they're going to have to meet sooner or later. Best it be by your choice so that you have some control over the situation." Sara paused to let her words sink in. "Just something to think about."

Early the next morning Brianna showered and sat with a cup of coffee. The snow had finally stopped and the barely dawn sky gave hope the sun might make an appearance. She didn't really notice though, her thoughts consumed by her mother's words.

The buzzing of her phone pulled her attention back to her surroundings. She glanced at the clock and wondered who was calling her at seven o'clock in the morning. A peek at the display had a smile curving her lips. Someone was awake in Red Bank. "Hello."

"Bianna, the snow stopped!"

"I know. Isn't that great?"

"Daddy says there's another storming coming tonight, so you gotta get here fast!" Jake turned to listen to his father. "Oh. Daddy says to pack some cwose for a few days in case we get snowed in again."

Brianna smiled, both at Jake's enthusiasm and Jon's instructions. She would bet serious money that they were both hoping for another storm albeit for different reasons.

She needed to pack for both.

"I'll be there as fast as I can."

Chapter 75

The gate buzzed announcing a visitor. Jesse looked out the window at the car coming down the driveway. "Grandma's here."

Jon looked at his watch. "She's early."

"Why is she here?" Stephanie eyed her father suspiciously.

"I have to go out tonight, so she's here to keep you company."

"Where you going?" Jake asked.

"A benefit for Covenant House."

"Are you going alone?" Stephanie hoped his answer was the one she wanted to hear.

Jon shook his head. "We've been doing some projects with them through the Foundation, so Bri's coming with me." It was one of the few ways they could go out together without causing speculation. Even if they were photographed together, Brianna was identified as his assistant, so no one questioned her being with him. Still, he wished they didn't have to hide their relationship. He wanted to be able to hold her hand walking down the street, put his arm around her at a gathering like this.....hell, just go to a movie!

He sighed. Brianna kept telling him to be patient. Easy for her to say. She didn't have to try and sleep with a hard on! As usual, once he'd decided on a plan, he wanted to put it into motion immediately. He wasn't used to being stymied - especially by his own kids! But Brianna was right. If the kids weren't on board, weren't comfortable with his having a girlfriend, the relationship would never work.

He hated that she was right most of the time.

Stephanie and Jesse exchanged grins and a high five behind their father's back. 

"Say hi to her from us." Stephanie instructed.

Jon nodded nod went to get changed.

When the car pulled up in front of her apartment building, and Brianna came out, Jon tried to catch a glimpse of what she was wearing, but her coat was in the way. He did manage to get an eyeful of her legs as she climbed in the car. "Hi."

"Hi." She leaned over and kissed him.

"The kids say hi."

"So they know I'm going with you tonight?"

He nodded. "I told them the Foundation was working on some projects with the Covenant House people."

"Mmmm."

"What? You're the one who said we had to wait to tell them."

"I'm not upset. It's the right way to do it....until they're ready."

Jon grunted and slanted her a look. "You do know what signs we're looking for, don't you?"

"Yes." She patted his hand. "Hang in there, I think they're getting close." She hoped so. She wasn't liking the secrecy any more than Jon was. But she'd never let him know that. It wouldn't be a good idea for him to think he'd won her over so easily. He only truly appreciated what he had to work for.

They arrived at the hotel where the benefit was being held and made their way to the ballroom, where Jon helped Brianna take off her coat. His eyes licked over her appreciatively. Her dress was a sheath that skimmed her curves and ended just above her knees with sheer long sleeves. It was simple, yet elegant, exactly what he'd come to expect from her. The emerald colour made her stand out like a jewel in the sea of black surrounding her.

"Will you be okay here for a minute while I take these to the coat check?"

The huskiness of his voice made her shiver. It was a struggle to remember the public image they needed to present. "As your assistant I should do that." She reached for their coats, but froze at the glare she got.

"My mother would skin me alive if I let you. She raised me to be a gentleman."

"Uh huh." She retorted dryly. "Five months ago you wouldn't have thought twice about letting me. In fact, you would have expected it."

There was too much truth in her statement for him to argue, so he didn't bother trying. "Brat." He growled and turned towards the coat check.

Brianna grinned and stepped into the ballroom. The decorations were harvest themed with groupings of cornstalks in the corners and gourds in the table centrepieces. Spying the bar in the corner to her left, she started in that direction. She ordered a glass of wine for both of them and had just started back towards the door when she heard someone call her name.

"Bri!"

She turned to see her brother Michael walking towards her, his wife Lisa a step behind him. "Hey!" She hugged them both as best she could with her hands full. "What are you guys doing here?"

"Covenant House is one of the organizations our firm supports." Michael explained. "I'm the designated representative tonight."

"What about you?" Lisa asked. "What brings you here?"

"I hope you're not two fisted drinking already." Michael added nodding at the two glasses in her hands.

Brianna looked at her sister-in-law and they both rolled their eyes. "Jerk! Jon's foundation has been working with them on a couple of projects. He wanted to be here, and I came with him." Brianna answered truthfully.

"You mean I'm finally going to get to meet your famous boss?" 

"Yes, and be nice." She admonished him.

"Sure," Michael craned his neck, looking for the rockstar. "Where is he?"

"Coat check."

Michael crooked a brow, but Lisa smiled. "So he's a gentleman too."

Jon entered the ballroom and glanced around  looking for his date.  He finally spotted her talking to a couple he didn't know. Something about the man's body language towards Brianna had him seeing red. Or maybe it was green. Either way, his defences were on full alert.

As he got closer, something about the man seemed familiar but Jon was pretty sure he'd never met him. When the man bent to speak quietly to Brianna, then straightened and laughed, Jon swallowed a growl and moved faster. Reaching them, he sidled in next to Brianna, looked the man in the eye despite being a few inches shorter, and held out his hand. "Hi. I'm Jon Bon Jovi."

Brianna stared at her boss/boyfriend, not sure whether to be amused or annoyed. She'd never seen him like this before. The waves of aggressive testosterone coming off of him warned her to step in. "Jon, this is my brother Michael and his wife Lisa."

Jon glanced at her and raised his brows, his demeanor instantly changed from hostility to eagerness. "Yeah?" He looked back at the other man, now seeing the resemblance - the tones of red in his hair, the shape of his golden flecked eyes - and understood why he looked familiar. "Well, it's nice to finally meet some of Bri's family."

"We've been trying to figure out whether she's hiding us or you."

Brianna sighed and looked at her hands. Maybe she was going to need both glasses of wine after all. This could be a long night.

As if reading her thoughts, Jon reached out to take a glass. "Is one of those for me? Thanks." He turned back to Michael. "So what kind of business are you in?"

"We deal with international investments."

Brianna made a snoring sound.

"Hey! It's built you a nice little nest egg." Michael reminded her.

She shrugged. "Doesn't mean it's not boring as hell."

He snorted. "Says the woman who worked for the CEO of a company that makes widgets. Did you ever figure out what they even were?"

She wrinkled her nose at him. "And now I tour the world with a rock band. Beat that!"

"Children please!" Lisa interrupted. "What will Jon think of our family with this kind of behaviour?"

Jon had been watching with amusement and now waved aside Lisa's concern.  "You should see my brothers and I go at it. This was very tame."

"Come on," Brianna urged Jon. "We should say hello to the organizers and find our table." She glared at her brother. "See you later."

Chuckling, Jon let her lead him away. "I'm beginning to see why you were avoiding introducing me to your family."

"Yeah, Michael's a bit of a pain in the ass. And he's the most agreeable one of the bunch!"

"And where do you fit into the spectrum?"

"Where do you think?"

Her tone shook his wits back into place and he caught himself before he said something that would have him grovelling for weeks. "Based on my knowledge of you, I would have to say that you're the rose among the thorns."

She snorted at his corny reply, but let the subject drop as they circulated amongst the crowd.

As luck would have it, they found themselves at the same table with Michael and Lisa. Brianna bit back a groan. Jon squeezed her knee under the table and fought not to let her see how pleased he was with the situation.

They made small talk until the salads arrived. Michael watched his sister pass her tomatoes to Jon's bowl and take his cucumber slices. Catching her eye, he raised a brow and waved at her fork hovering between their bowls. "You've obviously spent a lot of time together."

She matched his expression. "Doesn't your assistant know which foods you like and don't like? And don't you expect her to make sure you don't get what you don't like?" She knew he was fishing for the status of their relationship, but she wasn't ready to tell her family yet. Until they had the kids' blessing the fewer people who knew the less chance of the kids hearing about them through rumours.

"Yes, but she doesn't usually take it right off my plate."

"No, she does it before your plate ever gets to you. Luckily for me, Jon is a little more reasonable than you are."

Jon looked at Lisa. "Do they always need a referee?" He asked quietly while the siblings continued to bicker.

"Only occasionally." Lisa eyed her sister-in-law thoughtfully. Only when one of them is trying to hide something from the other. She changed the subject. "Bri told us about your loss. I'm sorry."

Jon nodded. "Thank you."

"How are your kids coping?"

"There've been some rough patches, but on the whole, pretty good. Bri has been a huge help. She's great with them."

Lisa wasn't surprised. "She loves kids. Spoils ours rotten. We always felt bad that she didn't have any of her own. But the asshole she married kept putting her off. Too bad she didn't see what a schmuck he was sooner. She was meant to be a mother." She watched him carefully for his reaction, but he only nodded in agreement.

The end of the evening found Jon and Michael standing together waiting for the women who had made a trip to the ladies' room.

Michael debated how to say what was on his mind, and in the end, just said it. "Despite what you might think given our behaviour tonight, I love my sister very much. I don't like seeing her hurt or unhappy. She got a raw deal with the asshole she married and she deserves better. She's a wonderful, caring woman who deserves to be loved and appreciated. To be happy."

Jon heard the message - and the warning - loud and clear. And he didn't disagree. "She does."

"Ready to go?" Lisa asked her husband as she and Brianna joined them.

"Yes." Michael replied. "I think we've done all we can here tonight."

Bidding them goodnight, Brianna watched them walk towards the door. "What was that all about?"

Jon shrugged. "I have no idea."

"Jon seems like a decent enough guy." Lisa observed as they navigated through the late night traffic.

Michael grunted.

"They're sleeping together."

"Did Bri tell you?" Maybe he should have been a little more direct with the man.

"No, but you can tell by their body language and the way that they talk to each other."

"Ah. Women's intuition." He considered, then shrugged. "If he hurts her, rockstar or not, I'll kick his ass."

Lisa patted his hand. "Yes dear, I know you will."